How to choose a notebook from the keyboard design

1. Note the size and position of the keyboard

Although most keyboards use a standard QWERTY keyboard layout, different vendors place symbols or system control keys in different locations. We want to avoid awkward common key positions, such as the Shift key next to the UP arrow. Beware of too small buttons, and many vendors will sacrifice usability, narrowing the right Shift key or the BACKSPACE key to get more space.

By contrast, if you can find a notebook with an enlarged Delete, Enter, or ESC key, this will make your work more efficient, such as the ThinkPad T series.

"We'll magnify your favorite keys," said David Hill, vice president and chief designer of Lenovo Group, "Why is the space bar so large on the keyboard? Because it is the number one input key and can switch between right-hand operation."

2. Carefully observe the shape of the keyboard and surface material

Make sure the keyboard key cap is concave, and you can easily find the key position without having to view it specifically. If the keyboard surface is flat, you may be able to mistakenly press adjacent characters as you type.

In addition, consider the material and texture of the keyboard itself. If too slippery, also not conducive to entry, but too rough, but also can make your fingers feel uncomfortable.

3. Pay attention to Palmrest

Although it is often overlooked, the area underneath the keyboard can greatly alter your usage experience. To make sure your wrist is completely on the palmrest, if your hand hangs on the edge, your shoulder muscles will have to shoulder the burden of lifting the whole arm, and for too long, it can cause shoulder pain and muscle damage.

"If your muscles are always in a state of exertion, you will be fatigued and damaged, and you need a place where you can place your wrists and relax your forearms," said Richard Marklin, a professor of mechanical engineering at Marquette University.

4. Spacing is important

According to OSHA standards in the United States, there should be 18 to 19 mm spacing (or horizontal spacing) between keyboard keys. "If you use a full-size keyboard of 19 mm spacing, you won't feel cramped and everything is comfortable," said Chris Casper, the Toshiba Group Product Marketing Manager.

5. Good sense of key feedback

A good sense of feedback, so that users know more clearly whether the button has been triggered, so you do not need to use more power to input. Similarly, if the button resistance is too small, it is easy to repeat the input characters, when you want to enter the process of a short break, you can not stop the hand on the keyboard.

6. Backlight keyboard

A backlit keyboard can make a notebook more artistic and look more flashy. You can also see all the buttons without the lights on and reduce the impact on others in the middle of the night. However, the pros and cons of all things, the backlight keyboard on the notebook heating and power consumption have a significant effect, but also recommended not to use the blue backlight keyboard, because the blue in the dark eye damage the most.